Most Recently Used List

Visual Assist X keeps a list of most recently used (MRU) files and symbols in the VA View. The list offers efficient navigation among objects as you write code. You move among your current files without hunting through long lists and navigation dialogs.



By default, only items selected from the two dropdown lists in the VA View appear in the MRU list. The dropdowns are for Files in Solution and Symbols in Solution. Selecting an item from either dropdown in the VA View adds the item to the top of the MRU list. Selecting an item that already exists in the MRU list returns it to the top.

Double click a file from the MRU list to open the file, or bring it to the foreground if already open. Double click a symbol from the MRU to go to the definition or implementation of the symbol.

Controlling Content of MRU

Right Click in the MRU list to goto an entry, clear a selected entry or clear all entries.



Select options in the menu to control content of the MRU. Developers who use the Files in Solution dialog, ie not the dropdown, prefer Include opened files. C/C++ users who keep one method per file prefer Include modified files. C# users with numerous methods in each file prefer Include modified methods.

Icons in the MRU

Icons in the MRU identify files and methods modified since the item entered the MRU. Consider these items to be "recently modified." The modified flag, ie pencil, remains until an item is cleared or falls from the MRU. A flag is not removed when you save a file.

For items not modified, the icon identifies the origin of entry into the MRU. Items enter the MRU from the dropdowns, ie you opened them explicitly, or from another dialog or command in the IDE.

File modified since entry into MRU
File entered MRU from FIS dropdown
File entered MRU from another dialog or command
Symbol entered MRU from SIS dropdown
Symbol modified since entry into MRU (applies only to methods and functions.)

MRU without a Solution

Visual Assist X maintains a separate MRU for when no solution is open. If your IDE starts without a solution, you see this MRU when the IDE starts. When you open a solution, the MRU associated with the solution appears. When you close a solution, the separate MRU reappears.

The MRU visible without a solution typically contains files you open or modify often, but are outside any of your solutions. Clear this MRU when visible.

Miscellaneous

Content of the MRU for a solution remains after a restart of the IDE. The last instance of multiple IDE stores the MRU list.

Hover over an item in the MRU list to see its full pathname or definition.



Navigate the MRU with the mouse or arrow keys.